Infrared transparent foam composite for deep subambient cooling of virtually any surface

ABSTRACT

A cooling system having an IR transparent foam or aerogel, made from an IR transparent material, and an optomechanical frame that serves to concentrate emitted radiation to the most transparent part sky to improve the net cooling power and serve as a mechanical support to the foam or aerogel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/261,788 filed Sep. 29,2021 entitled “Infrared Transparent Foam Composite for Deep SubambientCooling of Virtually Any Surface,” the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO APPLICATIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSOREDRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with Government support under Contract No.DE-AC52-07NA27344 awarded by the United States Department of Energy. TheGovernment has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND Field of Endeavor

The present disclosure relates to cooling.

State of Technology

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Thermal radiative heat loss occurs continuously for any surface facingthe sky. Radiation from a surface can escape to space because theatmosphere is transparent to infrared (IR) radiation with wavelengthsbetween 8 and 13 μm (which encompasses the peak of thermal radiation atroom temperature). In practice, a surface undergoes radiative heatexchange with the sky, which has a very low apparent temperature. Thisradiative cooling effect occurs on every sky-facing surface and can evenallow sub-ambient temperatures to be reached. In fact, daily ambienttemperature swings between night and day are due to (1) surface coolingvia infrared (IR) radiation escaping into the cold of space and (2)surface heating from solar absorption outpacing the aforementioned IRcooling. Therefore, it is possible to achieve sub-ambient cooling duringthe day if pathways that heat a radiating surface can be avoided, suchas avoiding the absorption of sunlight.

This kind of daytime sub-ambient cooling effect has been demonstrated bynumerous materials (i.e. emitters) that are highly effective atreflecting or blocking to solar radiation (reducing solar absorption),and also highly emissive in the 8-13 μm band (i.e. they lose as muchheat to space as possible). These radiating surfaces typically reach afew degrees below ambient temperature (<2-10° C.). Small temperaturedifferences are a typical result because the radiative cooling effect isnegated by parasitic heating from the surrounding warmer air (once asurface gets cold, it starts heating back up from the warmersurroundings). Therefore, if parasitic heat gains are minimized oreliminated, much lower temperatures are possible with increased coolingpower. In fact, theoretical work has shown that cooling up to 60° C.below ambient is possible under optimal conditions. In short, if acooling surface is sufficiently insulated from its surroundings whilestill allowing IR radiation to escape to space, much more effectiveradiative cooling can be realized.

One recent demonstration of this effect showed that a vacuum chamberwith an IR transparent (ZnSe) window can reach 43° C. below ambienttemperature when using a strong IR emitter. However, while this methodwas very effective at cooling, this approach is not scalable to largeareas which is necessary for most practical cooling applications, suchas air conditioning (many m² are needed). To reduce costs, aninexpensive IR material is needed that can insulate large areas ofcooling emitters. Polyethylene (PE) aerogels have been fabricated tothis end for improved performance over un-insulated emitters, and whilethey are effective, PE aerogels will not survive typical outdoorconditions due to sunlight degradation and they are somewhat costly toproduce. PE films only last weeks to months in direct sunlight beforecompletely falling apart. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light from thesun degrades the plastic drastically reduces IR transmission within afew days, which reduces the ability to allow an underlying surface tocool.

SUMMARY

Features and advantages of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methodswill become apparent from the following description. Applicant isproviding this description, which includes drawings and examples ofspecific embodiments, to give a broad representation of the apparatus,systems, and methods. Various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the application will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this description and by practice of theapparatus, systems, and methods. The scope of the apparatus, systems,and methods is not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed and the application covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the apparatus,systems, and methods as defined by the claims.

Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods accomplishes therequirements of: (1) losing heat to space and (2) preventing heatingfrom sunlight and ambient surroundings by being (a) infrared transparentin the 8-13 μm wavelength range, (b) highly optically reflective toreduce heating from sunlight in the 300 nm-2500 nm range (solarspectrum), and (c) thermally insulating to avoid heating fromsurrounding air. The various embodiments Applicant's apparatus, systems,and methods provides a material composite that enables sub-ambientradiative cooling of virtually any sky-facing surface, when thedisclosure is placed on top in close contact. Applicant's apparatus,systems, and methods work similar to a solar heater vacuum tube, butinstead of providing heating, it provides cooling by maintaining atemperature difference between a surface and ambient air. In a preferredembodiment Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods comprises of anIR transparent foam or aerogel, made from an inexpensive IR transparentmaterial, such as common table salt (NaCl, KCl), and an optomechanicalframe (multiple designs are possible) that physically protect thedelicate IR transparent foam, and can serve to concentrate emittedradiation to the most transparent part sky (near vertical) to improvethe net cooling power and serve as a mechanical support to the foam.NaCl and other water soluble salts have many of the desired propertiesfor this application (high transmittance in 8-13 μm band) but aretypically not considered for outdoor use. The insulating foam contains acertain size distribution and porosity to add optical reflectance andmaintain strength, while continuing to provide high thermal resistancefor insulating power and high IR transparency in the 8-13 μm band. Inthe preferred embodiment the water-soluble foam/aerogel can be coatedwith a hydrophobic coating and/or anti-caking agents (i.e. potassiumferrocyanide) to minimize moisture absorption and negative effects fromoutdoor weather. Additionally, a UV-stabilized, IR transparent plasticfilm with thin-film water-vapor transmission barriers can be used toencapsulate the whole device to serve as an improved moisture barrier,mitigating the issue of water-solubility and hygroscopicity.

Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods can be used to coolvirtually any surface for such uses as electricity-free airconditioning, remote refrigeration, potable water collection, etc. Itcould be used to cool buildings or vehicles directly, recycle evaporatedprocess water (cooling towers) and could condense potable water from theair in arid areas and serve for disaster relief when electricity is notavailable. Coupling it with a heat exchanger and fluid storage, it couldbe used to supplement and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems, ordeep-freezer units by providing a low temperature heat sink forrejecting heat.

The apparatus, systems, and methods are susceptible to modifications andalternative forms. Specific embodiments are shown by way of example. Itis to be understood that the apparatus, systems, and methods are notlimited to the particular forms disclosed. The apparatus, systems, andmethods cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate specific embodiments of theapparatus, systems, and methods and, together with the generaldescription given above, and the detailed description of the specificembodiments, serves to explain the principles of the apparatus, systems,and methods.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods.

FIG. 2 provides additional details of a portion of Applicant'sapparatus, systems, and methods shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a graph that provides additional details of Applicant'sapparatus, systems, and methods shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of Applicant'sapparatus, systems, and methods.

FIG. 5 . shows Applicant's consolidated material positioned on asky-facing surface.

FIG. 6 is a descriptive illustration of one embodiment of a mechanicalframe used in Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods.

FIG. 7 is a descriptive illustration of another embodiment of amechanical frame used in Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods.

FIG. 8 is a descriptive illustration of yet another embodiment of amechanical frame used in Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, to the following detailed description, and toincorporated materials, detailed information about the apparatus,systems, and methods is provided including the description of specificembodiments. The detailed description serves to explain the principlesof the apparatus, systems, and methods. The apparatus, systems, andmethods are susceptible to modifications and alternative forms. Theapplication is not limited to the particular forms disclosed. Theapplication covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the apparatus, systems, andmethods as defined by the claims.

The inventors have developed apparatus, systems, and methods that allowvirtually any underlying surface to be able to cool to sub-ambienttemperatures with improvements over the above materials in that they areinexpensive, scalable, and robust to sunlight. This required propertiesthe current invention providing three properties, 1) they are highlyreflective to solar radiation (minimizing heat gain during the day), 2)they are highly thermally insulating (minimizing heat gain, around theclock), and 3) they are transparent to the 8-13 μm band, allowingradiation to escape to space and effectively cool the surface. Thesethree properties allow the current invention to be placed atop virtuallyany surface, allowing it to cool to sub-ambient temperature.Additionally, because of the method of manufacture and the materialsused, the current invention is very low-cost, and scalable solution torealizing large-scale daytime radiative cooling.

Improved cooling has been shown to occur by limiting the radiativeexchange with the sky to the most transparent regions (45° to thezenith). This angular selectivity effectively reduces radiative exchangewith the warmer parts of the sky (angles toward the horizon) andimproves the net cooling power from an emitting surface. This is usuallyaccomplished with geometrically placed reflecting materials thatsurround the emitting surface, such as a conical reflector, but can beaccomplished by other means such as photonic-crystal, where the surfaceemission does not follow the typical Lambert's cosine law.

Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods uses solution-processed,freeze-dried foams/aerogels from common salts to produce an insulatingmaterial that is optically reflective, thermally insulating, andinfrared transparent. The utility of using common salts to produce thesematerials is three-fold, 1) they are inexpensive materials and themethods described herein make the materials inexpensive to produce, 2)the materials are robust to UV light and long-term exposure to UV doesnot degrade their performance, and 3) they can be packaged intomechanical frames that can further improve cooling performance throughangular selectivity of the frame (i.e. geometrical reflectors built intothe frame).

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 , anillustrative diagram provides a descriptive illustration of oneembodiment of Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods. Theembodiment is identified generally by the reference numeral 100. Thecomponents of Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods 100 are listedbelow:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 102—A support or substrate,    -   Reference Numeral No. 104—White paint,    -   Reference Numeral No. 106—Black paint,    -   Reference Numeral No. 108—Black paint and panel,    -   Reference Numeral No. 110—Syringe pump,    -   Reference Numeral No. 112—Salt solution,    -   Reference Numeral No. 114—Ultrasonic spray head,    -   Reference Numeral No. 116—Droplets,    -   Reference Numeral No. 118—Liquid nitrogen,    -   Reference Numeral No. 120—Frozen droplets,    -   Reference Numeral No. 122—Freeze drying unit,    -   Reference Numeral No. 124—50 mm Styrofoam, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 126—Aluminum coated mylar.

The description of the steps of the Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 100 having been completed, the operation andadditional description of the Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 100 will now be considered in greater detail.Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methods provide electricity-free,around-the-clock, deep sub-ambient radiative cooling.

Applicants fabricate thermally insulating material either an IRtransparent foam or aerogel and package it into panels. In a oneembodiment the thermally insulating material is an aerogel. Aerogels arethe optimal size to scatter visible light (solar reflective), but smallenough not to scatter infrared radiation (IR transparent). Aerogels arealso the most thermally insulating solid currently known.Superhydrophobic coatings are commonly applied to some types of aerogelsand can provide stability against moisture and rain. Additionalencapsulation with a suitable IR transparent material can provideadditional protection against moisture.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a syringe pump 110 provides a salt solution112 to an ultrasonic spray head 114. The ultrasonic spray head 114provides droplets 116 that are immersed in liquid nitrogen 118. Thisforms frozen droplets 120. The frozen droplets 120 are transferred to afreeze drying unit 122. The freeze drying unit 122 provides dried frozendroplet panels are transferred to an Aluminum coated mylar materialsurface 126 that rests on a 50 mm Styrofoam material 124 that issupported by a support or substrate 102.

The support or substrate 102 also supports a panel of white paint 104and a panel of black paint 106. The material composite of black paintand panel 108, the panel of white paint 104, and the panel of blackpaint 106 are positioned on sky-facing surface.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , additional details of Applicant's apparatus,systems, and methods shown in FIG. 1 are provided. The inventorsprepared a test apparatus 200 and obtained test data. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , the test apparatus 200 includes a support or substrate 102 thatsupports a panel of white paint 104, a panel of black paint 106, and amaterial composite of black paint and panel 108. The components ofApplicant's test apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 are listed below:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 102—A support or substrate,    -   Reference Numeral No. 104—White paint,    -   Reference Numeral No. 106—Black paint,    -   Reference Numeral No. 108—Black paint and panel,    -   Reference Numeral No. 124—50 mm Styrofoam, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 126—Aluminum coated mylar.

The description of Applicant's test apparatus 200 having been completed,additional description of the Applicant's test apparatus will now beconsidered in greater detail. Applicant's test apparatus 200 providescooling for virtually any surface. Applicant's test apparatus 200includes a panel of white paint 104, a panel of black paint 106, and thecomposite of black paint and panel 108. Applicant's test apparatus 200includes a support or substrate 102 with a 50 mm Styrofoam materialsupport 124 and an Aluminum coated mylar material support 126. Thecomposite of black paint and panel 108 includes an IR transparent foamor aerogel made from an IR transparent material. The panel of whitepaint 104, the panel of black paint 106, and the composite of blackpaint and panel 108 are positioned on a sky-facing surface.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a graph provides test data of Applicant'sapparatus, systems, and methods. Applicant's test apparatus providescooling for virtually any surface. Applicant's test apparatus produceddata that is illustrated in the graph of FIG. 3 . The graph of FIG. 3charts temperature vs time. The curve 102 show ambient temperature. Thecurve 104 show the temperature of the white paint. The curve 106 showthe temperature of the black paint. The curve 108 show the temperatureof the composite of black paint and panel. The graph of FIG. 3 showsthat composite of black paint and panel provides better cooling.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , an illustrative diagram provides a descriptiveillustration of another embodiment of Applicant's apparatus, systems,and methods. This embodiment is identified generally by the referencenumeral 400. The components of Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods 400 are listed below:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 402—Aerogel,    -   Reference Numeral No. 404—Coat the aerogel in a vacuum chamber,    -   Reference Numeral No. 406—Provide a mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 408 a—Transfer the coated aerogel directly        into the mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 408 a—Consolidate the aerogel into        monoliths and transfer the consolidated monoliths into the        mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 410—Use an encapsulating film to        encapsulate the aerogel in the mechanical frame, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 412—produce a composite material,

The description of the steps of the Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 400 having been completed, the operation andadditional description of the Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 400 will now be considered in greater detail.

Initially, Applicants provide an aerogel powder 402. The aerogel powder402 is coated in a vacuum chamber 404. A mechanical frame 406 idprovided. Alternatively, the coated aerogel powder is (1) transferred408 a directly into the mechanical frame 406 or (2) consolidated intomonoliths and transfer the consolidated monoliths into the mechanicalframe 406. An encapsulating film 410 is used to encapsulate the aerogeland mechanical frame. The aerogel and mechanical frame encapsulated in afilm provides a composite material 412. The composite material 412 formsa mechanically robust, weather-stable panel that will enable deep,sub-ambient cooling from any surface in a cheap and scalable mannerApplicant's apparatus, systems, and methods can be used to coolvirtually any surface for such uses as electricity-free airconditioning, remote refrigeration, potable water collection, etc. Itcan be used to cool buildings or vehicles directly, recycle evaporatedprocess water (cooling towers) and can condense potable water from theair in arid areas and serve for disaster relief when electricity is notavailable. Coupling it with a heat exchanger and fluid storage, it couldbe used to supplement and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems, ordeep-freezer units by providing a low temperature heat sink forrejecting heat.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , Applicant's consolidated material is shownpositioned on a sky-facing surface as designated by the referencenumeral 500. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the consolidated material 500 ispositioned in a support or substrate 506. The aerogel 504 is containedin the mechanical frame 502. Applicant's apparatus, systems, and methodsprovides a material composite 500 that enables sub-ambient radiativecooling of virtually any sky-facing surface, when the disclosure isplaced on top in close contact. Applicant's apparatus, systems, andmethods work similar to a solar heater vacuum tube, but instead ofproviding heating, it provides cooling by maintaining a temperaturedifference between a surface and ambient air.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , is a descriptive illustration of oneembodiment of a mechanical frame used in Applicant's apparatus, systems,and methods. This embodiment of a mechanical frame is identifiedgenerally by the reference numeral 600. The components of thisembodiment a mechanical frame are listed below:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 602—mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 604—Salt aerogel, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 606—Straight wall of mechanical frame,

The description of Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 600 having been completed, the operation andadditional description of the Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus,systems, and methods embodiment 600 will now be considered in greaterdetail. Initially, the mechanical frame 602 is provided. The mechanicalframe 602 in this embodiment has a straight wall 604. The salt aerogelis contained in the mechanical frame 602.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , is a descriptive illustration of anotherembodiment of a mechanical frame used in Applicant's apparatus, systems,and methods. This embodiment of a mechanical frame is identifiedgenerally by the reference numeral 700. The components of thisembodiment a mechanical frame are listed below:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 702—mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 704—Salt aerogel, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 706—conical wall of mechanical frame,

The description of Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 700 having been completed, the operation andadditional description of the Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus,systems, and methods embodiment 700 will now be considered in greaterdetail. Initially, the mechanical frame 702 is provided. The mechanicalframe 702 in this embodiment has a conical wall 704. The salt aerogel iscontained in the mechanical frame 702.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , is a descriptive illustration of yet anotherembodiment of a mechanical frame used in Applicant's apparatus, systems,and methods. This embodiment of a mechanical frame is identifiedgenerally by the reference numeral 800. The components of thisembodiment a mechanical frame are listed below:

-   -   Reference Numeral No. 802—mechanical frame,    -   Reference Numeral No. 804—Salt aerogel, and    -   Reference Numeral No. 806—Compound parabolic concentrator wall        of mechanical frame,

The description of Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus, systems, andmethods embodiment 800 having been completed, the operation andadditional description of the Applicant's mechanical frame apparatus,systems, and methods embodiment 800 will now be considered in greaterdetail. Initially, the mechanical frame 802 is provided. The mechanicalframe 802 in this embodiment has a compound parabolic concentrator wall804. The salt aerogel is contained in the mechanical frame 802.

Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the presentapplication fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obviousto those skilled in the art. In the claims, reference to an element inthe singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unlessexplicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural andfunctional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferredembodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art areexpressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to beencompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for adevice to address each and every problem sought to be solved by thepresent apparatus, systems, and methods, for it to be encompassed by thepresent claims. Furthermore, no element or component in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element or component is explicitly recited in the claims. Noclaim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for.”

While the apparatus, systems, and methods may be susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and have been described indetail herein. However, it should be understood that the application isnot intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,the application is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application asdefined by the following appended claims.

1. An apparatus for cooling, comprising: a composite that is infraredtransparent in the 8-13 m wavelength range, that is optically reflectiveto reduce heating from sunlight, and that is thermally insulating toavoid heating from surrounding air.
 2. The apparatus for cooling ofclaim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam oraerogel.
 3. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein said compositecomprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and a frame that holds saidIR transparent foam or aerogel.
 4. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and aframe that holds said IR transparent foam or aerogel, wherein said IRtransparent foam or aerogel produces emitted radiation, and wherein saidframe is positioned to concentrate said emitted radiation to the mosttransparent part sky to improve cooling.
 5. The apparatus for cooling ofclaim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam oraerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparent foam or aerogel andwherein said frame is an optomechanical frame.
 6. The apparatus forcooling of claim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparentfoam or aerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparent foam oraerogel and wherein said IR transparent foam or aerogel is IRtransparent NaCl or other IR transparent salts.
 7. The apparatus forcooling of claim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparentfoam or aerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparent foam oraerogel and wherein said IR transparent foam or aerogel is IRtransparent foam.
 8. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein saidcomposite comprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and a frame thatholds said IR transparent foam or aerogel and wherein said IRtransparent foam or aerogel is IR transparent aerogel powder.
 9. Theapparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IRtransparent foam or aerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparentfoam or aerogel and wherein said IR transparent foam or aerogel is IRtransparent NaCl or other salt aerogel.
 10. The apparatus for cooling ofclaim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam oraerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparent foam or aerogel andwherein said IR transparent foam or aerogel is IR transparent aerogelmonoliths.
 11. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein saidcomposite comprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and a frame thatholds said IR transparent foam or aerogel and further comprising acovering for said IR transparent foam and said frame.
 12. The apparatusfor cooling of claim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IRtransparent foam or aerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparentfoam or aerogel and further comprising a covering including a watervapor transmission barrier for said IR transparent foam and said frame.13. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein said compositecomprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and a frame that holds saidIR transparent foam or aerogel and further comprising a covering with awater vapor transmission barrier covering for said IR transparent foamand said frame.
 14. The apparatus for cooling of claim 1 wherein saidcomposite comprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel and a frame thatholds said IR transparent foam or aerogel and further comprising an IRtransparent plastic film covering with a water vapor transmissionbarrier for said IR transparent foam and said frame.
 15. The apparatusfor cooling of claim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IRtransparent foam or aerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparentfoam or aerogel and further comprising a UV-stabilized, IR transparentplastic film covering with a water vapor transmission barrier for saidIR transparent foam and said frame.
 16. The apparatus for cooling ofclaim 1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam oraerogel and a frame that holds said IR transparent foam or aerogel andfurther comprising a vacuum sealed UV-stabilized, IR transparent plasticfilm covering with a water vapor transmission barrier for said IRtransparent foam and said frame.
 17. The apparatus for cooling of claim1 wherein said composite comprises an IR transparent foam or aerogel anda frame that holds said IR transparent foam or aerogel and furthercomprising a vacuum sealed UV-stabilized, IR transparent plastic filmcovering for said IR transparent foam and said frame and a desiccantwithin said vacuum sealed UV-stabilized, IR transparent plastic filmcovering with a water vapor transmission barrier.
 18. A method ofcooling, comprising the steps of: creating IR transparent powder, andsecuring said IR transparent powder into a frame to provide a materialcomposite, and using said material composite to cool virtually anysurface.
 19. The method of cooling of claim 18 wherein said step ofcreating IR transparent powder comprises creating an IR transparentfoam.
 20. The method of cooling of claim 18 wherein said step ofcreating IR transparent powder comprises creating an IR transparentaerogel.
 21. The method of cooling of claim 18 wherein said step ofcreating IR transparent powder comprises flash freezing aerosolizedsolutions in liquid nitrogen via liquid nitrogen or other methods andfreeze-drying said aerosolized solutions.
 22. The method of cooling ofclaim 18 wherein said IR transparent powder is made of NaCl, KCl, CsI,Ge, ZnSe, ZnS, or BaF2 infrared transparent material.
 23. The method ofcooling of claim 18 wherein said IR transparent powder is made of NaCltransparent material.
 24. The apparatus for cooling of claim 18 whereinsaid IR transparent powder has a particle size where it is effective atscattering optical light but not scattering longer IR wavelength between8-13 um (<1 um particle size, lambda/10).
 25. The apparatus for coolingof claim 18 wherein said IR transparent powder produces emittedradiation and wherein said frame is positioned to concentrate saidemitted radiation to the most transparent part sky to improve cooling.